Station to Station is a nomadic “happening” that moves by train from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Coast stopping at nine different locations from major cities to off-the-grid spots, each time for a one-night-only live event in September. An artist-driven public art project made possible by Levi’s, Station to Station will raise funds through ticket sales and donations to support non-traditional programming at partner institutions around the country. A moving platform for artistic experimentation, the train’s journey will be constantly changing as artists and audiences alike encounter a creative collision of contemporary art, experimental music and film. The Doug Aitken-designed train turned kinetic sculpture will act as a cultural studio—globally broadcasting unique content and experiences from the stops as well as on the moving train. Long after departing the last station, Station to Station will leave an indelible creative mark on its local and global audience—opening eyes and shifting perceptions.

The start of the epic train ride was celebrated this weekend in Brooklyn with the first Station to Station event that included live music, special performances, food and art. Musical performances included: Suicide, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Kansas City Marching Cobras, No Age, and YOSHIMIO + Hisham Akira Bharoocha + Ryan Sawyer TRIO. Furthermore Olaf Breuning made an installation, there was a unique food happening created by Rirkrit Tiravanija; Jonah Bokaer performed live on stage; five nomadic sculptures were created by artists Kenneth Anger, Urs Fisher, Liz Glynn, Carsten Höller and Ernesto Neto; and the list just goes on.

Additionally there were Levi’s yurts, designed as an intimate gallery-like setting where local artists were designing and crafting new products, in real time. As a tribute to the Levi’s “Makers” program, the Levi’s yurts celebrate local artisan products. Artists featured include Folk Fibers, Cobra Boots, Chimayo and Junkyard Jeans.

As you can see the event and the idea behind the Station to Station initiative are rather inspiring and impressive. The next stops of the train are listed here: Brooklyn Launch (9/6) –> Pittsburgh (9/8) –> Chicago (9/10) –> Minneapolis / St. Paul (9/12) –> Santa Fe (9/18) –> Winslow, AZ (9/21) –> Barstow, CA (9/24) –> LA (9/26) –> Oakland / SF (9/28).